Ceramic dental crown - Price, types, advantages | DentArbre

A ceramic crown is a restorative dental procedure used to protect, cover and reconstruct the shape of the tooth, when dental fillings (fillings) have not solved this problem. Among the many types of dental crowns available, the ceramic one is very popular due to its aesthetics, but also the very good biocompatibility of the material. Before choosing the right ceramic crown for your dental problems, it is important to know the benefits of the treatment and the steps you will follow in a dental office.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a solution used by dentists to protect a tooth that has been decayed, cracked or has undergone endodontic treatment. Since it has the same size, shape and strength as a normal tooth, the dental crown has the role of completely covering the visible portion of the tooth, above the gum line, thus ensuring the integrity of the dental structure and restoring the functionality of the tooth. Dental crowns can be made from various materials, including resin, metal, porcelain or ceramic. Most patients choose ceramic teeth because of their natural appearance.

When is a dental crown necessary?

Following an appointment at a dental office in Bucharest or in any other city in the country, the doctor will first of all analyze the problems you have. Based on the conclusions he obtains from the initial evaluation, the doctor can recommend the ceramic dental crown. The most common situations in which you might need a ceramic dental crown are the following:

• in the case of broken or fractured teeth - when a tooth has been badly broken or even fractured, a ceramic dental crown will be necessary to prevent further complications;

• in case of severe bruxism - the ceramic dental crown is recommended for patients suffering from bruxism and where there is already significant damage to the tooth;

• following a dental implant - crowns are used to cover the dental implant, as it acts as a visible tooth above the gum line;

• following a root canal - a tooth on which a root canal treatment can become fragile, so a dental crown can be used to strengthen its structure;
• in case of complex caries - when the caries are too large to be fixed, dental crowns help restore the integrity of the tooth and preserve it in the long term;

In all these cases, the ceramic dental crown in Bucharest can be an excellent option due to its durability and almost natural aesthetic appearance.

Types of ceramic dental crowns at DentArbre

At Dentarbre, we are dedicated to providing patients with dental crowns that meet their individual needs and preferences. Every solution we recommend is made after a thorough consultation and a detailed discussion with the patient. Thus, our priority is to choose not only the optimal solution from a medical point of view, but also the type of crown that is financially accessible for each patient.

Metal-ceramic dental crown

Metal-ceramic crowns are metal structures covered with a ceramic layer. The metal used provides strength and durability, while the ceramic sits perfectly on the tooth and offers a natural appearance. These crowns are durable and can successfully pass the test of masticatory forces. Therefore, metal-ceramic dental crowns are recommended for both front and back teeth.

Full ceramic dental crown

Full ceramic dental crowns are made of a ceramic material, without metal inserts, with a very natural aesthetic appearance, which closely resembles the color of the natural tooth. Therefore, patients are extremely delighted with the solution and prefer it for its very pleasant aesthetic appearance. Suitable for the restoration of front teeth, where aesthetics play a priority role, all-ceramic dental crowns are biocompatible, being ideal for people with metal allergies.

Ceramic dental crown on zirconium support

Zirconium-supported ceramic dental crowns have a substructure of zirconium oxide, a strong and durable material, over which a layer of ceramic is placed. Ceramic dental crowns with zirconium support combine the strength of metal-ceramic crowns with a superior aesthetic appearance, thanks to the ceramic layer. Moreover, they are extremely resistant to fractures and are suitable for patients who require a durable solution, but who also emphasize the aesthetic aspect.

Ceramic dental crown - Advantages and disadvantages

In addition to the aesthetic benefits, ceramic dental crowns have other benefits. From a price point of view, the ceramic dental crown may be less preferred by patients, being more expensive, unlike standard solutions. Therefore, when you go to a dental office, it is important to talk to the doctor about the benefits of this solution, but also about the price of the dental crown and other disadvantages that may arise.

Ceramic dental crown - Advantages

The ceramic dental crown has many advantages. First of all, ceramic crowns are biocompatible and mimic the natural tooth very well. In addition, in addition to the biocompatibility of the material, which allows its use in patients with sensitivity to metals, the ceramic dental crown has other important advantages:

• has superior resistance to temperature changes - ceramic materials are less conductive compared to metals (therefore, the ceramic dental crown reduces sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures);

• it very well imitates the natural color of the tooth and its shine, providing an excellent aesthetic connection with the other teeth (it is ideal for the restoration of front teeth);

• it is comfortable and requires a short settling-in time

Ceramic dental crown - Disadvantages

One main disadvantage you have when choosing ceramic teeth is the price. In addition to the financial aspect, there are other disadvantages that this type of dental solution can have:

• it can fracture over time - the ceramic crown, although it is durable, wears more easily, so it is at risk of fracturing;

• it is more expensive than the metal or metal-ceramic crown - because it is made with advanced technologies, while using high-quality materials, the ceramic dental crown has a considerably higher price compared to the metal one;

• can cause abrasion of the teeth with which it comes in contact - the hardness of the material can cause wear of the opposite teeth, a situation found mainly in the case of patients with bruxism.

Differences between ceramic dental crown and acrylic dental crown

Ceramic versus acrylic dental crowns differ not only in terms of materials, but also in terms of durability, aesthetics and cost. The main differences are as follows:

• material composition - ceramic crowns are made of a high quality porcelain or other ceramic materials, while acrylic crowns are made of a plastic, created from acrylic resin.

• durability - ceramic crowns are more resistant and durable to wear compared to acrylic ones, the latter being used as a temporary solution.

• aesthetics - the ceramic crown has superior aesthetics to the acrylic one, having an appearance very similar to the color and natural appearance of the tooth. Acrylic crowns may not closely resemble the natural tooth.
• costs - the only criterion on which acrylic crowns win is that related to price. Although cheaper, acrylic crowns are not designed to be used as a long-term solution.
• wear - acrylic crowns are usually used as a temporary solution during the interim period of treatment, until the final crowns are manufactured.

The ceramic crown, on the other hand, is used as a permanent reconstruction solution.

Metal-ceramic dental crown vs. Ceramic crown on zirconium support

Both metal-ceramic and zirconium-supported crowns combine strength with a very natural aesthetic appearance. There are some differences between this type of crowns:

• substructure materials - metal-ceramic crowns have an alloy substructure coated with ceramic. In the case of those on a zirconium support, they use zirconium oxide as a substructure, which has the natural color of the tooth.

• aesthetics - metal-ceramic crowns may have a darker line on the gum line, which appears over time, due to exposure to metals. Crowns on a zirconium support offer better aesthetics, without the appearance of the black line, as the zirconium combines perfectly with the ceramic layer.

• biocompatibility - metal-ceramic crowns can cause allergies, due to the metal used in the composition. On the other hand, those on a zirconium support are suitable for patients with metal allergies.

• durability and strength - both solutions have a high level of durability and strength.

• costs - metal-ceramic crowns are less expensive, unlike those on a zirconium support.

How is the ceramic dental crown made?

The ceramic dental crown is made by different methods, by the dental technician, in the laboratory. The dental technician will process the crowns based on the sample made on the patient's jaw. Another technology frequently used in the creation of dental crowns is CAD/CAM. CAD comes from Computer-Aided Design and CAM comes from Computer-Aided Manufacturing. CAD/CAM technologies allow the creation of a digital design for the patient, and the crown is created in a solid block of ceramic using a very high precision machine. By means of this method, the production accuracy is very high, the crown being made in a single visit.

How is the ceramic dental crown applied?

The process by which the ceramic dental crown is applied involves certain steps that the doctor goes through to ensure that they fit and are well secured.

Preparation

The preparation stage is very important, and it starts with a thorough consultation, after which the doctor will make sure that he has all the information he needs to create the right ceramic crowns:

• consultation - at this stage, the doctor assesses the condition of the teeth and discusses the treatment options available and most suitable for the patient.

• clinical examination, imaging tests - with their help, the doctor will assess the health of the tooth and the structures surrounding it.

• discussing the treatment scheme - the doctor will prepare a personalized treatment plan, explaining to the patient the steps he will follow and the materials used.

• tooth impression (unless the all-ceramic dental crown is chosen) - the impression is necessary to obtain the model to produce the ceramic crowns. By using CAD/CAM technology, no other casts will be needed to ensure that the patient will receive the right dental crown.

Treatment stages

Compliance with the treatment steps is mandatory for the success of the treatment. Even though most patients are eager to receive dental crowns more quickly, several steps are required:

• teeth grinding - at this stage, the doctor removes a portion of the tooth, to be able to place the crown, thus ensuring that it will fit very well on the tooth, without altering the bite;

• sample of the supporting component (in the case of metal-ceramic or zirconium-supported ceramic crowns) - for metal-ceramic and zirconium-supported crowns, the structure sample is required to ensure that it aligns and fits perfectly;

• application of temporary crowns - the doctor will place a temporary dental crown over the tooth to protect it, until the permanent crown is manufactured;

• definitive cementation - when the ceramic crown is ready, the temporary one is removed and the new crowns are cemented. The dentist will make all necessary adjustments to provide patient comfort and good alignment of the existing teeth with the crown.

How long does the process of applying a ceramic dental crown take?

Normally, the process of applying a ceramic dental crown takes 1-2 weeks and is done in 2-3 sessions. The first session is represented by the consultation, the preparation of the tooth, the creation of the digital impression and the placement of the temporary crown. The second session actually includes the preparation of the crown in the laboratory and is performed by the dental technician. Also, the next session is cementation and positioning of the final crown.

How to maintain the ceramic dental crown?

Keeping the dental crown in proper condition starts with very good hygiene. It is important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss to remove plaque and prevent gum disease. It is also important to avoid hard, crunchy or sticky foods. If you grind your teeth at night, your doctor may recommend wearing a mouth guard at night. Another important aspect is to limit the consumption of foods and drinks that stain the teeth, such as coffee, tea or red wine.

Ceramic dental crown price

The price for the ceramic dental crown varies depending on the technology used, the materials and combinations used, but also the expertise and experience of the doctor. The main costs you may have when choosing a ceramic dental crown are:

Frequently asked questions about ceramic dental crowns

How long does a ceramic dental crown last?

The average lifespan of a ceramic dental crown is 5-7 years. The actual duration may vary depending on various factors, such as oral hygiene, diet, regular visits to the doctor, and the presence of certain conditions, such as bruxism (teeth grinding).

Is the application of ceramic crowns painful?

The process of applying ceramic dental crowns is not painful. The doctor will use local anesthesia during the preparation of the area where the crown will be placed. You may feel some mild tenderness or discomfort after the procedure, but this will go away after a few days.

Can ceramic dental crowns change their color over time?

Dental crowns are stain resistant and do not yellow over time. However, natural teeth around crowns can change color over time due to eating habits and age. Therefore, crowns may also appear to have a different appearance over time.

Can a fractured ceramic dental crown be repaired?

If a ceramic dental crown has fractured, its repair is no longer possible, and the crown must be replaced. Some small chips, however, can be repaired with composite.